Google Quietly Updates Old Nest Speakers: Audio Fixes, No New Hardware
Google is testing firmware version 3.79.550760 for older Nest speakers, including Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home and Google Home Mini. The update fixes audio streaming and volume issues, improves smart-home controls and Wi-Fi connectivity, and is available now through the Google Home Preview Program.
Which Nest speakers are getting the new firmware update?
Four older Google speakers are included in firmware 3.79.550760: Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home and Google Home Mini. The Google Home Max and the newer Google Home Speaker only receive minor bug fixes, suggesting they already run equivalent software.
Google's release notes confirm the update is being tested through the Google Home Preview Program, an early-access channel for smart-home features and firmware. The four older models get the full set of improvements, while the Home Max and Google Home Speaker are limited to bug fixes.
The update is not yet available to everyone. Google has not announced a general release date, and the firmware will only install automatically for devices enrolled in the Preview Program.
- Nest Audio — full update
- Nest Mini — full update
- Google Home — full update
- Google Home Mini — full update
- Google Home Max — bug fixes only
- Google Home Speaker — bug fixes only
What does firmware 3.79.550760 actually fix?
The update addresses media streaming and volume problems, polishes smart-home controls, improves Wi-Fi setup and connectivity, and refines the Google Assistant entry experience. Google also lists general performance and stability improvements across all supported speakers.
Audio fixes are the headline change. Users who have experienced stuttering streams or inconsistent volume levels on older Nest speakers could see a noticeable improvement after installing the update.
Smart-home control improvements aim to make voice commands more reliable when interacting with connected lights, plugs and thermostats. The Wi-Fi fixes target setup and connectivity issues that can plague older devices on modern mesh networks.
The mention of Google Assistant entry experience improvements likely relates to Gemini, which Google is positioning as the flagship voice assistant across its smart-home hardware.
TechCortex take: This is a quiet but important signal. Google is sunsetting the Nest brand yet still shipping firmware for speakers that launched years ago — a rare case of long-term software support in the smart-home market. If you own a Nest Audio or Nest Mini, join the Preview Program now rather than waiting for a general rollout that may take months. Just expect early firmware to occasionally introduce new bugs, so keep a fallback speaker if your device is critical to daily routines.
How do you join the Google Home Preview Program?
Open the Google Home app, go to Device Information for your speaker, select Preview Program and sign up if eligible. Once enrolled, the firmware update installs overnight automatically. No manual download or USB flashing is required.
The Preview Program is Google's early-access channel for Home app features and device firmware. Enrollment is free and open to eligible users, though Google does not guarantee acceptance for every account or region.
If you are accepted, the update will arrive without further action. You can check your firmware version later in Device Information to confirm the install.
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap your Nest speaker and open Device Information.
- Select Preview Program and follow the sign-up prompts.
- Wait for the firmware to install overnight.
Why is Google still updating older Nest speakers?
Google continues to support older Nest speakers even as it shifts focus to new hardware and the Gemini assistant. The update extends the useful life of devices that helped establish Google's smart-home ecosystem and keeps existing users inside the Home platform.
The company recently rolled out a major Home update for video doorbells, security cameras and Automations, showing that its smart-home software strategy now spans both new and legacy devices.
For owners of older speakers, the practical effect is simple: devices that might otherwise feel abandoned are getting meaningful fixes. That matters as competitors like Apple push deeper into the smart home with products such as the Apple HomeView hub.
The update also buys Google time. With the Nest brand being phased out in favor of new hardware, keeping older speakers functional reduces churn and keeps users inside the Google Home app, where the company can upsell newer devices later.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nest speaker update available to everyone?
No. Firmware 3.79.550760 is currently limited to the Google Home Preview Program. Google has not announced a public release date, so non-enrolled devices will not receive it yet.
Which Nest speakers are excluded from the audio improvements?
The Google Home Max and the new Google Home Speaker are excluded from the wider audio and smart-home updates. Both receive bug fixes only, likely because they already run equivalent firmware.
Will the update install automatically?
Yes, if you are enrolled in the Preview Program. Google states the firmware installs overnight without user action. You can verify the version afterward in the Google Home app under Device Information.
Does this update add Gemini to older Nest speakers?
Google has not confirmed Gemini features for these devices. The release notes mention Google Assistant entry experience improvements, which may relate to Gemini, but no official Gemini rollout has been announced for older speakers.
Can I roll back the firmware if something breaks?
Google does not provide a public rollback option for Nest speaker firmware. If a Preview build causes problems, you can leave the Preview Program, but the device may remain on the test firmware until a stable release arrives.
Bottom line
Google's firmware 3.79.550760 proves the company has not abandoned its older Nest speakers, delivering audio, smart-home and connectivity fixes to four legacy models. If you own a Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home or Google Home Mini, enroll in the Preview Program through the Google Home app to get the update overnight. A wider public rollout is expected but unconfirmed.
Sources
- No, Google hasn’t forgotten about your old Nest speakers, and there’s a big firmware update for the Preview Program coming — here’s how you can sign up | TechRadar. techradar.com, 2026. https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-speakers/no-google-hasnt-forgotten-about-your-old-nest-speakers-and-theres-a-big-firmware-update-for-the-preview-program-coming-heres-how-you-can-sign-up